?s for Plastic Surgeon

I have my first consult on Monday with one of two I hope to see before I decide who to use. So.....what should I ask? I want advice from those of you who've had work done. Super Thanks Beth B. in Chattanooga

My plastic surgeon answered just about all of my questions before I could even ask. Some of the questions I had prepared where: am I a candidate for the LBL, midriff incision how long will I need to be out of work what kind of post-op restrictions will I have, how long will I stay in the hospital or be sent home the same day will I go home with a catheter what kind of pain management will be used how much is this going to cost what dates are available for surgery Now, tomorrow morning, I go in for my pre-op visit and pre-admit. I have additional questions for tomorrow that are more specific to my recovery and post-op care. I'm sure she will be just as thorough for this as she was at the consult. Who are you going to see?

If you dont' mind, Who have you chosen for your surgeon?

My surgeon is Lois Wagstrom.

Thank you

Your plastic surgeon will let you look at pictures of his work...  or at least a good one will!  I had a consult just a few weeks ago for a breast augmentation.  Tim was there... I said "I bet you will go to work and tell your co-workers you got to look at ladies' breasts WITH your girlfriend!"  I kept pointing to them, and saying stuff like "look at those.  Aren't they pretty?  I don't like those..." As if we were picking out china or something! lol !  But the pictures definitely do tell the story...  Also ask if they have a history of working on gastric bypass patients with procedures such as lower body lift, belt lipectomy, tummy tucks, muscle repair, the arm & thigh surgeries, and ask for pics.  I would be leery of those not bearing pics! I asked my surgeon if I had much back fat, and if I NEEDED the belt lipectomy.  He said I did not.  I do not have much back fat.  But, my butt sags.  He said that if he did the belt lipectomy, he would have removed 2 lbs.  He removed 3 lbs from the tummy tuck.  I could have been smaller if I proceeded but he was not out for my money but results.  Beware of someone who promises you that you will look JUST like this or that...  get one who is honest enough to tell you whether the results you want are results that are DO-able.  Ask about places or internet links that will educate you on plastic surgery.  I like MakeMeHeal.com.  They are broken down by the types of surgery you are going to have.  They let you post and ask questions...  and people who have had the procedures post their replies from experiences, etc.  You can also ask to see their pictures... OR you can peruse the photo albums by types of procedures.  Some password protect them. Also ask about what to expect AFTER surgery.  No one told me about depression, and how hard it would be right after.  Expect to GAIN weight because of swelling.  And I am not talking about the kind of weight gain that comes with your period.  I mean, your belly will look like a starving ethiopian child.  Feel free to view my pics...  the 4th week picture was the worst!  I got depressed because I was wearing my mom's size 10 pants to work... they were HUGE and swallowed up my tiny legs but my belly was HUGE too! Susan presented the best questions...  I did not do enough research and the expectations I had were not real ones...  it took 4 mos to SEE the results I wanted...  but that was after scanning my presurgery photos... make sure they take the pics... Ask if they take insurance... will he send a letter to your insurance company to try to get it covered?  Sometimes the insurance company will pay for portions of it...  Good luck, and keep us posted.

Thank you guys for your words of wisdom. This is a big step for me as I'm sure you understand. I believe first and foremost that I should ask God what is best for me...yes in everything. I want to thank you for your guidance and most of all thank the Lord for this TN forum. You have been a blessing to me today. Thank you! Beth B. in TN